Ayahuasca brew
In short… Ayahuasca is a brew from the Amazon region in which two plants are usually boiled together according to an age-old recipe. This brew contains DMT, a substance that causes hallucinations and can therefore induce visions. In ancient traditions, ayahuasca was primarily used for spiritual and medicinal reasons. Thanks to its powerful hallucinogenic effects, ayahuasca has now become widely known in the West, including as a potential remedy for various ailments.
Ayahuasca documentaries
Due to the increased interest in ayahuasca, more and more documentaries are being released about it. In this article, we list some recently released documentaries about ayahuasca on Netflix and some others available on YouTube.
We previously compiled a top 8 list of documentaries about psychedelics, and ayahuasca was one of them. You can watch these top 8 films about ayahuasca, LSD, mescaline, psilocybin, and magic mushrooms via the button below.
Ayahuasca documentary on Netflix
There are so many recently released documentaries about ayahuasca, but only one was released in 2024. Ancient Apocalypse is the documentary in question and was released on Netflix this month! Below are a few documentaries you might want to watch.
Ancient Apocalypse
Released in 2024
Season 2 Episode 5: The Americas Chapter V
In the ayahuasca episode of the documentary Ancient Apocalypse
Journalist Graham Hancock investigates the meaning and use of ayahuasca.
This episode on ayahuasca focuses on the connections between art, geometry, entities, and the spiritual connection with ancestors. It also explores similarities with other areas, where the same psychedelic or geometric patterns recur.
Overall, you could say this documentary is less about the therapeutic side of ayahuasca and more about finding connections between ancient civilizations.
(Un)well
Released in 2020
Season 1 Episode 5: Ayahuasca
The episode on ayahuasca explores why people take ayahuasca trips for spiritual and therapeutic experiences. It features interviews with people who have used ayahuasca, highlighting their personal stories. We also hear from several practitioners who lead ayahuasca ceremonies and explain how they work.
Attention is also paid to the potential risks and side effects of ayahuasca. The documentary highlights several cases of people who have had negative experiences after using ayahuasca. It also discusses the potential interaction between ayahuasca and certain medications or health conditions.
The goal of this episode is to provide a balanced view of the various perspectives on ayahuasca. While positive experiences are presented, it also emphasizes that ayahuasca use is not without risks and that it is important to do so with proper guidance and precautions.
Ayahuasca documentaries on YouTube
There are also many interesting YouTube videos about ayahuasca. The list below is just a sample of the many films and documentaries available. We find the videos below interesting and noteworthy, as they each offer a unique perspective on how ayahuasca is used for different reasons.
MindField
Released in 2018
Season 2 Episode 2: The Psychedelic Experience
MindField is an excellent way to learn more about the brain, the social aspects of people and also what psychedelic experiences are like, such as ayahuasca.
In the MindField episode titled "Psychedelics," Michael Stevens explores the impact of psychedelic substances on the human mind. He delves deeply into the scientific and experimental aspects of psychedelics, with a specific focus on ayahuasca. Stevens examines how these substances can alter an individual's perception, consciousness, and emotional state.
The episode explores how psychedelics like ayahuasca have been used for thousands of years by indigenous cultures for spiritual and healing purposes. Michael Stevens takes you to the Amazon where he participates in a traditional ayahuasca ceremony guided by a shaman. The experience is described in detail, including the intense visual and emotional reactions that often occur.
Gavhof
Released in 2019
The Nature of Ayahuasca Documentary
The Nature of Ayahuasca is a documentary that explores the use and effects of ayahuasca. It showcases the ayahuasca experiences of Westerners who participate in ayahuasca ceremonies led by local curanderos and the challenges they face during their healing process.
The documentary once again explores the history of ayahuasca. It also explores the preparation, integration, and future of ayahuasca, as well as the various motivations and attitudes of people seeking these experiences.
What's good about this documentary is that it highlights the suggestiveness that comes with ayahuasca and its ceremonies. People can be more open to subtle suggestions, and during an ayahuasca journey, these suggestions come to life more readily.
Ayhauasca therapy
As you've read in this blog, ayahuasca is often considered therapeutic. People often use ayahuasca to alleviate various mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorders, and addiction. Whether this works is partly supported by scientific research that has demonstrated ayahuasca's potential as a therapeutic tool.
A 2018 study by Palhano-Fontes et al. showed that ayahuasca significantly reduced symptoms of depression in participants. The treatment resulted in an elevated mood and improved overall quality of life. Moreover, a long-lasting effect was observed, with the positive changes still present six months after the treatment.
Ayahuasca has also shown promising results for anxiety disorders. A 2015 study led by Osório et al. found that ayahuasca significantly reduced anxiety symptoms in patients with generalized anxiety disorder. The treatment proved more effective than a placebo, and the positive results lasted up to three months after the treatment.
Furthermore, research has been conducted into the effectiveness of ayahuasca in treating addiction. A recent study conducted by Thomas et al. in 2020 showed that ayahuasca can help reduce cravings and make it easier to overcome alcohol addiction. Several participants also reported improvements in their psychological well-being and personal development.
Guided ayahuasca ceremony by shaman
An ayahuasca ceremony is most effective when led by an experienced shaman. Someone who maintains the age-old traditions and is well-versed in the customs is therefore an advantage. In the Netherlands, shamans sometimes fly in from Peru to lead ayahuasca ceremonies. However, we believe it's better for the experience to conduct an ayahuasca ceremony in a country where it's legal and you can do it in the Amazon jungle. This way, you get the most authentic ayahuasca experience and increase the chance of a "real" shaman helping you. For such a traditional ayahuasca experience, Peru seems to be the best choice.
Ayahuasca ceremony Netherlands
In the Netherlands, it is illegal to possess ayahuasca or participate in an ayahuasca ceremony. However, you'll still encounter various providers who offer it, some professional, others focused on profiting from hype. As we mentioned earlier, it's better to attend an ayahuasca ceremony in the Amazon. In the Netherlands, it's better to use legal alternatives that are potentially safer and legal.
Legal alternatives to ayahuasca
There are legal alternatives that mimic the effects of ayahuasca. These often produce similar visions and require less preparation, such as a special diet. Furthermore, they are often safer because there are fewer interactions with food, supplements, or medications.
Truffle ceremony
During a high-dose truffle ceremony, the peak of the trip can resemble the ayahuasca experience. The advantage of a truffle ceremony is that no special diet is required and it's safer, as it can sometimes be taken alongside various medications. You can also significantly influence the intensity of the trip by adjusting the dosage.
Psilohuasca ceremony
Psilohuasca is popular as a legal alternative to ayahuasca. This MAO inhibitor, used in ayahuasca, is used to prolong the effects of psilocybin. A downside is that vomiting, diarrhea, and other physical discomfort can occur, and you'll need a special diet, just like with ayahuasca.
Psiloflora ceremony
As an alternative to the ayahuasca ceremony, psiloflora is our preferred choice. Psiloflora produces similar visions, but the added MAO inhibitor is mild and doesn't require a special diet. Furthermore, physical discomfort is much less common with ayahuasca, and the psychedelic journey generally feels gentler and more gentle than with other forms.